Raider S wrote:J!m, just to make this clear so everyone is on the same page, never once did I assume or state people should expect $300 shoes at an $80 price. Meaning no, they would not be custom fitted, made in USA footwear backed by whatever guarantee comes with Alden's.
If I"sounded" that way I apologize. I was agreeing with you, not saying you were saying they are something they are not.
Raider S wrote:
As I before stated, I think it's only fair to compare them on appearance to the Alden 405. I do, however, think its entirely fair to compare them to other footwear of the same price.
Well, for the same price, you can likely get higher quality footwear. Out of style redwings can usually be had for under $100.00, and I think we all can agree that those would be of a higher standard than even a Timberland (for example) at the same price point. On appearance, I agree- these look like Alden 405's, which was/is the intention.
Raider S wrote:
Right now I have them on my feet and actually the fit is quite good as they managed to stretch a bit wearing them all evening yesterday. But if people buying them want them to fit, please buy one size larger than your normal and you should be fine. If you have a very wide foot they many not work for you, however.
I actually have a narrow foot, which is why I ended up with Aldens after all- I tried to get some nice Redwing Gentleman Travelers (which I still like; they just don't come narrow!) And then the Farnhams, which also don't come narrow. Since these run narow, I would have gotten them, but now I have 405's...
Raider S wrote:
Please, let's not make this an Alden appreciation thread - there are plenty of those. In my opinion there are many fine shoes out there just below the $100 price mark; let's be honest, much of what makes any designer or brand name more expensive is simple hype.
I couldn't agree more. I recently was dress shoe shopping, and looked at several reputable brands (Nunn-Bush, Florsheim, etc.) and NONE of them were made in the US any longer; and the price? Well above the $100.00 mark. As you say: Paying for the name...
Raider S wrote:
I plan to get some new laces on my Todd's then simply wear them. They look good on the foot and if they wear well (let's say a year of decent use without the sole falling off or something) I'd say they'll turn out to be a great buy and great addition for the Indy fan who wants decent gear.
Exactly what they are intended for.
Raider S wrote:
Just like with the Alden's people are paying a higher price for the Todd's simply because of the Indy connection. Maybe that's what I've been trying to say all along.
And I was one of those people until I understaood just what the "big deal" is about these boots. I now fully understand why Harrison Ford changed the wardrobe to these boots over the (quite decent actually) Redwings which were originally specified...